Apple patent app reveals method to manufacture hardened ceramics with zirconia particles

“Apple has over the years discussed the use of ceramic materials for future components and embodiments,” Jakc Purcher reports for Patently Apple.

“Apple’s latest use of ceramics could be found in the Apple Watch in context with zirconia” Purcher reports. “On the Apple Watch craftsmanship webpage, Apple notes that ‘Because the back crystal is vital to the function of the technology encased inside Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition, we chose zirconia, a type of ceramic, as the primary material.”

“Today, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals methods for improved ceramics mold casting using zirconia particles” Purcher reports. “The new method is applied to eliminate air bubbles in component parts… Whether Apple has already produced such a process or is one in the making is unknown at this time.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Note: Apple’s full text from their Apple Watch webpage:

Zirconia.
As functional as it is flawless.

Because the back crystal is vital to the function of the technology encased inside Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition, we chose zirconia, a type of ceramic, as the primary material. It’s nonconductive, so the antenna can perform without any interference from the crystal. It’s also opaque, which eliminates cross-talk between the components of the heart rate sensor. The manufacturing process begins by heating the zirconia at 2640 degrees Fahrenheit for over 30 hours. Once it cools, we incorporate the sapphire lenses of the sensor. Then we polish the entire back crystal with a grinding stone to an incredibly smooth, precise finish — with a surface roughness of just 3 nanometres — so that it feels comfortable next to your skin.

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Apple patent application describes ceramic housing that could be used for low-cost iPhone – March 28, 2013